I haven't found signs of wood rot, which I take is a good thing. My hope is that this ends up on the lower end of the price range, but somehow, I doubt it. Because the after market gray water tank is part of the ugly box extension I will be loosing my gray tank in the process. I had hoped to install a new one up above the axles this spring, but I never dreamed the rear end separation repair was going to cost so much. Looks like a long season with the tote boy is in my future. Pic from below is from when I first got the rig. Separation is visible now- I can think of a couple long forest service roads and one rapid beach egress that didn't do much to help the basic problem of the box

You may not lose the gray tank, if the rear end is beefed up as it should be.

But, that metal box has to go.

in the absence of rotten wood, the repair cost would be considerably less, since the bath would not have to be gutted, or any floor replaced.

You may not lose the gray tank, if the rear end is beefed up as it should be.

But, that metal box has to go.

in the absence of rotten wood, the repair cost would be considerably less, since the bath would not have to be gutted, or any floor replaced.

Andy

I'm not tracking the logic here, the box is aluminum and weighs next to nothing. The frame extension and tank on the other hand are heavy. Can you explain to me how the frame extension isn't a problem? I am more confused than normal now.

I'm not tracking the logic here, the box is aluminum and weighs next to nothing. The frame extension and tank on the other hand are heavy. Can you explain to me how the frame extension isn't a problem? I am more confused than normal now.

We can beef the frame up as well as the rear of the shell, that holds the frame up.

The aluminum box is tempting to load a bunch of things in it. When that happens, the tongue weight goes down, and more stresses are placed on the frame and shell. D you really want to do that?

It's not practical to create a fixed product for you, if it will be used beyond it's capabilities, which will only lead to more problems.

You say the box doesn't weigh very much.

Your 24 foot tradewind has a moment arm from the center of the axle to about the center of the box of 12 feet, which means a one pound weight in that box, or the box itself, is actually 12 pounds. Add to that the weight of the steel that was used to extend the frame, and now that weight can quickly cause a problem, which your trailer at this point has.

That's the very reason rear end separatio takes place.

We can correct the separation and increase the shell to frame strength, but we will not get involved if that box will be used for storage. That in itself, will void our warranty, just so that you understand our position, so that there would be no misunderstanding.

I might add that I don't believe the factory would want anything to do with your project, because of that box. They would rebuild the trailer, the way it was originally.

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I wasn't arguing for the box I was saying it confuses me how a 2 foot extension of the frame with a gray tank in it does not represent a problem, where as a empty aluminum box does.

Since all I have hauled in the box is are the hoses, power cord, and wheel chocks, I am inclined to believe it is the extension more than the box and contents that was at issue. In any case, it is clear the box was a bad idea to start with and never should have been put there.

By the way, the factory indicated they would do a elephant ear repair on it, which came as a shock especially given the amount of money they want to do it.

I removed the ugly box today- that was a hoot, and pulled the gray tank. Tomorrow I pull her up to Oklahoma City to have the rear end repaired by a guy there who works on Airstreams. I will keep everyone posted on how the repair goes. The summer is at hand

I'm glad to hear your moving along on getting things fixed, but who have you gotten to do the driving?

How are your travelin' plans coming?

Gene

Funny man . Travel plan is to travel. The plan is vague since I haven't secured a contract for the fall yet. Luckily, since I am full timing and a prone to boondocking, I can get by really cheap when I travel. Plus, because of the nature of the work I do and with the internet I can keep on top of job opportunities from anywhere. So, I am just as well off waiting things out in the mountains as anywhere else. I suspect my summer will focus mainly on New Mexico and Colorado but like I said, its all up in the air at the moment.

Thanks for the good information. I have recently discovered I have some floor rot and back-end separation. My brother-in-law is doing a frame off restoration on his second 59 flying cloud, but I do not want to do a total gut and rebuild for some rot in the bathroom. I’m also considering adding a grey tank while I’m in there. Andy can the ‘75 aft bath tanks(grey and black) fit in a ’70?Wilson

Thanks for the good information. I have recently discovered I have some floor rot and back-end separation. My brother-in-law is doing a frame off restoration on his second 59 flying cloud, but I do not want to do a total gut and rebuild for some rot in the bathroom. Iím also considering adding a grey tank while Iím in there. Andy can the Ď75 aft bath tanks(grey and black) fit in a í70?Wilson

Some crossmembers may have to be rearranged, and or added, in order to have adequate space, and additional support.

After a week and a half in the airstream hospital, I got my Trade Wind back yesterday afternoon The work looks great and the sag is sure enough gone. The rivets from the attachment of the ugly box created a problem, ultimately the holes were covered by a pair of large patches. If you didn't know what an airstream is supposed to look like from the back, you wouldn't know the patches don't go there. It is a relief to have the repair done and it is a big step toward being ready to hit the road in a couple weeks.